Spifftastic Legacy Chapter 9

Slide 2: 

Egypt once again found herself in the situation where she had to explain her past actions to a loved one. She thought she’d dreaded telling Rowena and Clarence. She realised now that feeling had been nothing close to dread. She did not want to do this. Though she loved Caleb (her heart gave a funny shudder at this thought), he had always been unpredictable. She stared at the doorbell, willing herself to push it... but it was not too late to turn back... “Running away again?” Suddenly, she heard the loud, sneering voice of Caleb inside her head. She gave an involuntary gasp and shoved her finger into the doorbell button. press

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As the doorbell jangled inside the house, a feeling of terror rose inside Egypt. Caleb was inside that house. She heard his shuffling feet and whipped her head around to see his face in the window. She wanted so badly to run– but at the same time she was sick of running. She stared very hard at the door and waited for it to open.

Slide 4: 

Suddenly there he was. “Egypt.” Caleb’s voice was cold. “You’re back.” Egypt opened her mouth, and shut it again, feeling as if all the breath had been knocked out of her. “Get inside,” he spat. And blindly, Egypt followed him into the house.

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.........

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“Claud?” “Yes, dear?” “Have you taken my eyeliner? I can’t find it anywhere...” “No, I haven’t.” Claudia turned to her husband with a wry grin. “You get so upset without it, don’t you? You’re like a child separated from their blanket.” Boots scowled. “I notice you’re not wearing any. Again,” he pointed out sourly. “No, I haven’t had time to put any on for weeks. It doesn’t matter, though, does it?” “To me? It does,” Boots replied slowly.

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Claudia stood up and stared Boots right in the face. “Explain,” she demanded, her face narrowing to slits. “Well.” Boots felt slightly intimidated, but tried not to show it. “You– you used to wear eyeliner... and you looked... amazing, and, er, that’s why I was attracted to you in the first place. And now... um...” he said quickly, trailing off. “So. You’re saying that you married me for my makeup, and now I’m not good enough for you.” “No!” Boots said frustratedly. “No, I just... I mean... couldn’t you have warned me first?” “And told you what, Boots? ‘I’m sorry Boots, but I’ve decided to stop living in the past’? That stage of our life is over now. I would have thought you’d be big enough to deal with change, but apparently I was wrong.” Boots couldn’t think of anything to say to this.

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He could only watch as Claudia turned on her heel and walked away from him. “I’m sorry if—” “Leave it. I’m ready to become a proper parent, whether you like it or not.”

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As if on cue, Echo appeared in the doorway, dressed in her pyjamas. “Can I paint my room black, Mum?” she piped up. Claudia frowned. “No, you may not.” “Your room is black.” “Yes, it is,” Claudia replied, cursing inwardly, at their colour choice, “And it’s time for you to go to bed. No buts.”

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The next morning Claudia thought she’d better call Egypt and see how she was going. She had looked pretty rough the last time they’d seen each other. She dialled in the unfamiliar number of Caleb’s house, stopping at first to try and remember it– no-one had ever bothered to call it before.

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Luckily it was Egypt who picked up; Claudia didn’t much feel like talking to Caleb. “Hello?” “Hi, Egypt. It’s Claudia. I was just calling to say hello, you know... how’s everything going?” “Alright.” There was a slight pause on Egypt’s end. “I’m pregnant.” “Oh, brilliant!”

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“What did Caleb say when he found out?” Claudia continued, excited. “I... um... I haven’t told him. Not yet.” “Oh, right,” replied Claudia awkwardly, the smile sliding off her face. Boots looked up curiously and Claudia mouthed the word ‘pregnant’ to him; they exchanged a worried look. “Well, I hoped he’s pleased. I’m really pleased. I’m so happy for you, Egypt.” “Thanks.”

Slide 13: 

Claudia sighed, picking up on the loneliness in Egypt’s voice. She was still sad. Claudia didn’t know if she could help her friend now. “Well, if you wanted to catch up... or if you ever need to tell me anything... well, you know the number.” “Thanks, Claud.” Egypt sounded as if she’d started to say something, but then came the sudden sound of a door slamming and there was a sharp intake of breath from her end. “I’m r-really sorry, but I have to go,” she stammered urgently. The line went dead. Claudia felt shivers go up her spine. Something was very wrong about Egypt’s situation.

Slide 14: 

As soon as Claudia had left, looking rather bleak, Echo seized her opportunity with Boots. “Dad, can I paint my room black? I’ve done all my chores and I’m getting really good grades in school... at least I think so... ‘C’ stands for ‘cool’, right?” she prattled, not giving him time to answer with an outright ‘no’. Boots blinked a couple of times before realising exactly what she was asking. “Ask your mother,” he said. He didn’t really have the time for this. “I did...” Echo looked at the ground. At a pressing look from Boots, she continued sullenly, “She said I ‘may not’. But I do not think she meant it.” Boots was confused for a moment before remembering his wife’s new ‘anti-gothic’ stance. Of course she would suddenly say no to black, he thought dully. “Well, I say you can, Echo. There might be some cans of black paint left over in the spare room...” he smirked triumphantly, thinking of what Claudia would say.

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So Echo got her jet-black room, and she couldn’t have been happier. She liked to think she functioned best in a darker atmosphere. When Claudia found out, however, she was not so happy. After drilling Echo for several minutes, she uncovered the story of how her bedroom walls had mysteriously changed from green to black; it really fired up her anger, realising that her own husband had deliberately gone behind her back. Boots was acting like a child, there was no doubt about that, and she was still convinced she was right: that motherhood was more important than her teenhood persona. One day Boots was going to have to realise that.

Slide 16: 

She wandered to the bathroom and gazed at her reflection, prodding at her skin and wondering how she had managed to go so long without changing. She was getting older. She had other things to worry about now than maintaining her individuality– which, now she came to think of it, had seemed a little drastic. She was so tired of being stuck in the past. What will Boots think? asked the niggling voice in the back of her mind. She shut the thought out. If he hated it, then that was his problem, of course.

Slide 17: 

She opened the bathroom cabinet, which hit the wall with a defiant bang! She made sure to chase all thoughts of Boots from her mind before she said to the empty room, “I am going to dye my hair back to its natural colour. And to hell with what he thinks,” she could not resist adding.

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“Not bad,” she murmured, three-quarters of an hour later. She added her glasses as a sort of finishing touch, so she could see her reflection more clearly. “No, definitely not bad.” And she was right– she felt great.

Slide 19: 

I interrupt here with a better picture of the new house, since the old photo was awful. I know I like to have some idea of what the legacy houses look like in other people’s games. There’s no ComplainingBoots out the front this time, but eh, life’s not fair.

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And here, just for good measure, is some more spammage of Echo. I quite like her, if you hadn’t been able to tell. Anyway, back into the story.

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“Dad! You’re home!” Echo rocketed into her father’s arms. “Mum wants me to tell you all about how I was naughty at school and wrote lots of rude words on the board,” she continued solemnly. “Did you?” Boots asked, holding back a grin. “I’ll have to give you a proper telling-off later. But I have some news for you, too. I got a promotion!” he told her, letting his voice carry so that Claudia, who had been taking out the rubbish, could hear him too. “Really? That is so cool!... What’s a pomotion?” Claudia smiled at the scene. Of course there was no point being angry at Boots anymore; of course he was working hard at being a good father. That was what mattered, right?

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As they all trooped inside and Boots hung up his coat, he was able to get his first good look at a post-makeover Claudia. It was a surprising difference, but not unpleasant. She looked beautiful. Boots was too shy to say this after everything they’d said to each other, but he couldn’t resist saying something. “You look really nice, Claud,” he told her, looking at the floor and scratching his neck shyly. Claudia stopped and let it sink it. “You know I still love you, right?” Boots smiled. “I’d really hoped you did.”

Slide 23: 

“So this’ll be the baby’s room, won’t it?” Egypt mused quietly. She rarely spoke in any volume apart from quiet anymore. “I suppose.” “It could do with some paint...” she continued doubtfully, “It’s a bit dull in here.” “Dull?” Caleb repeated in a voice full of scorn.

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He moved closer. “Egypt, darling, I highly doubt any negative effects will occur if the baby’s room is dull,” he drawled. Egypt did not turn around. “Unless you were prepared to paint it, of course,” Caleb sniggered, “I, of course, am busy providing the foundation to this family. And the money.” What, with your job as a professional nerd? Egypt thought furiously, still staring at the walls.

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“And how do you suggest I go about painting these walls, given my current condition?” she asked, turning to him. She tried to inject some bite into her voice, but she wasn’t sure if it’d worked. “I don’t know. I really don’t care,” replied Caleb. “Well, can you help me move the computer desk into the living room?” “Yeah. Right.”

Slide 26: 

Egypt watched her husband turn on his heel and leave. Only now did she glare at him. She stared at him with such fury, she almost didn’t notice the throbbing pains in her midsection were doubling in magnitude. But she couldn’t ignore the pangs for long...

Slide 27: 

“Caleb!” she shrieked, panicked. “Get back in here and help me, for once in your life!”

Slide 28: 

Several minutes later it was all over. “It’s a girl,” Egypt murmured. “A girl?” Caleb moaned, but Egypt didn’t listen to him. “I’m calling her Astrid,” she cut over him decisively. Caleb didn’t like the name much, but he supposed it was too late. I only want to name the child if it’s a boy, anyway, he thought spitefully as he stormed out of the room, still seething. Egypt lay Astrid down in the crib lovingly. “He’ll come around,” she whispered, not sure if this was true. * * * *

Slide 29: 

“Peridot?” Joe called. “Peridot, where are you going?” “I’m leaving. I don’t need to see this.” “You’re not actually going to kill me, now. Let’s not be hasty.” Joe’s voice rasped, though he sounded a little uneasy. “Oh, I’m definitely going to kill you. You deserve it.” “...Peridot?” His tone of voice forced her to stop.

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“Peridot, I’m sorry.” All the fight had drained out of his voice. He sounded scared, pathetic. “Too late.”

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The air was suddenly pierced by horrible, heart wrenching screams. Peridot flattened her hands over her ears, unable to listen, feeling sick to her stomach. Joe was dying. It was the end. The screams went on and on; it was as if they would never end.

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After an awful minute, the air fell silent again. Peridot lifted her hands off her ears and slowly turned around, haunting thoughts of what she might see buzzing through her head. But there was only a small grey headstone where Joe had once stood. Peridot could not feel relieved. She suddenly felt awful. “I killed him,” she whispered, and could not stop tears from leaking out.

Slide 33: 

The next morning, Rowena called Peridot to see if she was ok. She hadn’t heard from her in a while. The ringtone trilled for a long time before Peridot picked up. “Yeah?” she said tensely by way of greeting. “Oh, hello there, dear. It’s Rowena. Are you alright?” “Oh,” Peridot’s voice relaxed somewhat. “Yeah, I’m fine, I guess.” “You don’t sound fine,” Rowena pressed. “Well, I am,” Peridot replied shortly. And, without warning, she burst into tears.

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“Peri!” Rowena said urgently, slightly frightened by the onslaught of tears. Peridot didn’t reply. The sobbing on the other end of the telephone sounded as if it would never stop. “Peri... Peridot, dear, tell me what’s wrong,” Rowena added, more softly. Gradually, Peridot’s crying subsided. “J-Joe’s dead,” she hiccoughed. Rowena’s eyes widened. This was not how she-- or anybody, for that matter– had expected Peridot to react to the death of their biggest threat. “He’s...” Rowena repeated, trailing off. She could think about that later. Right now, Peridot needed her. “Peri, please tell me why you’re so upset.” Peridot had finally stopped crying. “It was me,” she said simply, her voice bleak. “I killed him. I am a murderer.” “That is not true. It was us who—” “Please, Rowena,” Peridot cut her off, “I can’t talk about this right now. I- I’m sorry.” “Don’t do anything rash, please, Peri,” Rowena begged, her cries falling on deaf ears. Peridot had already dropped the phone.

Slide 35: 

So Joe’s dead, Rowena thought numbly. This wasn’t how it was supposed to feel. He was dead, he was gone, but only because Peridot had set the cowplant on him, and only because they had persuaded her to. They were all murderers. Didn’t that make them all just as bad as Joe?

Slide 36: 

Rowena watched her grandchildren playing outside, listening to them shouting and laughing. It was ironic that the game they were playing involved them repeatedly killing each other. They were good, though, weren’t they? The Spiffs were not a bad family; they couldn’t be. Clare couldn’t have started a legacy that was destined to do bad things to the world. And yet, it had been her that had left the cowplant... Use it well, she had said. What had she even meant by that? How was anybody supposed to know? For the first time since Clare’s death, Rowena felt angry at her mother.

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Boots was on the toilet when his true revelation came. “Oh, I have been rather stupid lately...”

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He rushed into the dining room, not pausing to reflect on the strangeness of the whole family sitting at the table, looking sombre. “Guys! I’ve had a bit of an epiphany, I can’t believe it’s taken me so long! You’re allowed to be whatever you like, whoever you like,” he glanced at Claudia, who looked faintly chagrined, before continuing, “And you two, as well, and Caspian and Echo and Ermyntrude... they’re all allowed to be whoever they like. And me, too. And it doesn’t matter what...” he stopped, finally taking in the expressions of the family members around him. They all had blank, sad expressions on their faces. It’s as if someone’s died, thought Boots, faintly annoyed. “That’s nice that you’ve realised that, Boots,” said Claudia finally, “But Joe’s dead.”

Slide 39: 

Dear family, I am sure you have heard the news by now. But even though we are no longer in any danger, the fact that we as a family created and then carried out a plan of murder will weigh over us for life. Should we consider holding a funeral? With love, Rowena.

Slide 40: 

The next day Rowena checked for replies. There were seven: six tactful ‘no’s and one error message for Rowena’s attempt to email Egypt and Caleb. Rowena, who’d never liked swearing, hissed a very rude word, glaring at the responses. She felt a sinking sensation in her stomach; not just because her whole family apparently weren’t big enough to face a funeral, but because she was beginning to feel she had made the wrong decision, sending Egypt back to Caleb. How was he treating her? Egypt was a fragile girl; she really always had been, though she always covered it up. So why hadn’t they seen her for such a long time?

Slide 41: 

Egypt was still at home, in Dyspaire, and practically trapped there at that. Caleb didn’t like her going out, even to do her shopping. He thought she might ‘fraternise with other men’. Caleb had disconnected the phone lines, except for his own private mobile, and altered the email system so no emails that weren’t from him and him only could get through. So Egypt stayed home, got all the groceries and goods delivered, and spent as much time as possible with her new daughter, Astrid. It was only with her she was truly happy. * * * *

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Peridot wasn’t getting over it. I’m a killer, she would think. I’m a murderer. I’m repulsive. And she would stand outside and cry.

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January

Slide 44: 

February

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March... Okay, I think we can all at least agree it took a while. [If only this had occurred to Stephanie Meyer while she was writing New Moon].

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Until, one day, hands on hips, Flick took charge. “Peridot, you’ve got to get out of the house.” Peridot stared at her blankly. “All you do these days is stare out that window! It’s not – it isn’t productive! You have to do something...” Flick trailed off at Peridot’s slightly confused gaze, realising how forceful she sounded. “What would you like me to do, then?” Peridot mumbled. Flick sighed, backtracking. “Look, I know all this has been hard for you. But you’re scaring me, acting like this. And... you know... it isn’t going to bring Joe back.” Her words were met with silence; Peridot then stood up abruptly.

Slide 47: 

“Peri...” Flick sighed beseechingly. “What would you like me to do?” Peridot repeated stonily. Flick gave up on getting a response out of her. “Just... just go out... have some fun for once. Please. You used to love going out.” Peridot still didn’t look at her. “I can’t.” “Well...” Flick cast around desperately for an idea. “Can you go and buy us some more milk? We’re almost out.”

Slide 48: 

Peridot finally turned to Flick. “I don’t know,” she said distractedly, running her hand through her hair distractedly. “Oh, Peri, come on,” Flick groaned. “I’m not going to stand around convincing you to buy milk. I just wish that you’d stop doing this to yourself. You’ve been stuck inside for so long. And you used to be so much fun...”

Slide 49: 

Something seemed to stir in Peridot’s expression. “Things changed,” she murmured. “Ok. I’ll get you the milk.” Flick gave her twin a small smile. “It’ll be alright,” she told her, “It’s still the same world out there.” “You think so?”

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Flick answered with a hug.

Slide 51: 

And so Peridot found herself at the local Dyspaire Supermarket; even being so close to home made her feel nervous and twitchy, exposed. Upon arrival she was immediately assailed by Clarence. “Peridot! It’s lovely to see you out and about,” he faltered, seeming just as nervous as Peridot. Peridot mumbled a non-committal noise of greeting. “Rowena’s been... well, rather worried about you. As have I, of course,” he continued, wringing his hands. “We would love it if you could make it over to dinner at our place sometime soon.” “Thank you,” Peridot replied shyly, “I might just take you up on that.”

Slide 52: 

After the two had bade their farewells, Peridot located the dairy fridge. It took her longer than it ought to, because she was lost in thought. So her family had been worried about her. Realising this now, Peridot began feeling a little foolish. She should have been able to deal with this better, not become some sort of emotional wreck. This wasn’t only her problem; they were all in this together. This thought made Peridot feel stronger. I have now managed to rip off both Twilight and High School Musical. Somebody shut me up.

Slide 53: 

Feeling significantly better, Peridot decided to go next-door and look around for some new outfits. The shop was fairly empty except for one other man, who Peridot tried not to notice. Absorbing herself in the racks in front of her, she remembered how much she’d once loved to shop.

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It didn’t take her long to find an outfit she liked, but she was forced to walk past the man on her way to the change rooms. It could be Joe, her mind subconsciously told her, icy fear rising in her throat. But she tried her best to ignore her churning thoughts. Don’t be silly, she scolded herself; after all, how could it be him?

Slide 55: 

Peridot liked the dress she’d picked out, though she didn’t think she was going to buy it. The man she’d seen earlier seemed to like her outfit, too. Peridot was sure she heard him whisper “Wow...” as she discreetly checked her reflection in the mirror. She allowed herself a quick glance at his face just to be absolutely sure he wasn’t Joe (she still had that niggling feeling in the back of her mind) and then descended back into the darkness of the changing room, blushing.

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As she stepped out of the changing room, she was surprised when the man actually approached her. “That dress was fantastic on you,” he said enthusiastically. “Um, thank you,” Peridot replied cautiously, a little taken aback. The man seemed to pick up on her tone, as he looked away, embarrassed. “Sorry. I realise that sounded a bit creepy,” he said awkwardly. “It did, a little,” Peridot admitted with a smile. “But that’s ok.” She couldn’t resist liking this man, with his sincere energy and nice smile. He wasn’t anything like Joe, she realised as she surveyed his face.

Slide 57: 

The man seemed to draw confidence from her comment. “Honestly, I just wanted an excuse to talk to you. I’m no good with girls,” he said ruefully. “I’m Albie, by the way. Thanks for putting up with my lame chat-up attempt.” “I’m Peridot,” she replied, smiling. “I don’t think you’re lame. Actually...” she continued, a reckless idea forming in her head, “I’m free this weekend. Did you want to come to my house?” How could he say no to that?

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“I got the milk,” Peridot called out to Flick as she made her way through the front door, carrying a heavy basket. “Looks like you got a few other things,” Flick remarked. “Yeah... I was feeling inspired, you know? I’m cooking tonight. Fresh salado de la chef.” Flick grinned; her sister’s mood was contagious. “What’s gotten into you?” she joked. “Just the spring air, I suppose.” Flick raised an eyebrow, stifling a giggle. She knew there was more to it than that; she knew her twin sister too well.

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“And... I met a boy,” Peridot continued, a sly grin lighting up her face. * * * *

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Finally, at the Main Legacy Lot, it was time for Caspian’s birthday. It seemed like he’d been a child for an awfully long time. Oh yes, that would be because my computer keeps crashing out from under me and won’t let me play the family for long enough that any significant amount of time is able to pass. But never mind that. Brian: Our legacy stalker! Hip hip hooray!

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“Yay! It’s my birthday! I get to eat lots and lots of cake!” “And I get to stay up past my bedtime! You should have more birthdays, Caspian.”

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“Caspian, you look like a turtle.” “Hey, at least my hands are bigger, now.”

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And there we have it: I think he’s geeky, but cute. You have no idea how relieved I am that I finally got him all grown up. Progress on my computer is slow. Though I think that’s rather enough technology-complaining for one chapter, don’t you? (I’ll leave that job to the old folks.) Rotten technology...

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Finally, to end the chapter, I bring you some pictures of October, Fern and Brian’s first child that I’d been so sure was going to be a girl, and who has thus far been neglected in this legacy. I do love him, really. He’s so much like Fern; how could he not melt my heart? See you next time, dudes. :)